President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris announced new executive actions aimed at reducing gun violence during a press conference on Thursday, emphasizing their administration’s commitment to addressing this critical issue.

Biden highlighted the alarming statistic that guns are now the leading cause of death for children in America, a fact he called sick and unbelievable.

He criticized Republican responses to gun violence, referencing previous remarks from his predecessor and some lawmakers dismissing the gravity of the situation.

During the press conference, Biden also pointed to significant progress made under his administration, noting a decrease in murder rates and overall violent crime, which he attributed to proactive measures.

He stated, Last year we saw the largest decrease in murder rates nationwide, and mentioned a 17% drop in homicide rates in major cities during the first half of 2024.

Biden’s new executive actions include the establishment of a task force to tackle emerging firearms threats, such as 3D-printed ghost guns and devices that convert semi-automatic weapons into fully automatic ones.

He pledged that this task force would provide a report within 90 days detailing strategies to combat these threats.

Additionally, Biden directed his Cabinet to develop resources to improve school preparedness for active shooter situations, aiming to minimize trauma for students during drills.

Vice President Harris echoed Biden’s calls for comprehensive gun control measures, including a nationwide assault weapons ban, universal background checks, and enhanced mental health resources in schools.

Both leaders condemned the gun lobby and manufacturers, advocating for accountability in instances of gun violence.

However, critics of the administration, particularly from the gun control opposition, argued that Biden’s executive orders serve more as a political distraction rather than substantial solutions to rising crime rates in major cities.

Randy Kozuch from the NRA expressed concern that the administration’s approach would fail to enhance public safety and only shift attention away from their broader crime policies.

The press conference also coincided with the one-year anniversary of Biden’s Office of Gun Violence Prevention, which he accused Republicans of attempting to defund.

This initiative underscores the administration’s ongoing commitment to tackling gun violence through legislative and executive measures.